Northwest Regional Library Celebrates 20 Years in Surprise

The community is invited to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of Northwest Regional Library in Surprise on Saturday, June 4 from 9 - 11 a.m. with crafts, games, prizes and more! Nearly 20 years ago, the City of Surprise and Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) cut the ribbon and opened the doors to one of the most state-of-the-art libraries in the country at the time: Northwest Regional Library. When the branch opened in December 2002, it was the first public library in the nation to use an automated book return system and one of only 70 libraries in the world to use a digital collection management system. Twenty years later, the branch is still boasting state-of-the-art technology and innovative services, access to 40,000 books and movies, and a wealth of digital resources and services.

"The City of Surprise has been dedicated to providing high-quality library services to the residents of Surprise for 20 years," said MCLD Director Jeremy Reeder. "Together, we've been able to grow the library along with the city. We've accomplished so much at this truly magnificent facility and location."

Sitting adjacent to the Surprise Community Park and Spring Training Stadium, it's no surprise the Northwest Regional Library is a popular destination for residents. It sees some of the highest number of customer visits and circulation within the entire Maricopa County Library District system. The branch alone serves 20% of all MCLD customers, and circulates 13% of the library district's physical collection.

"We are thrilled that this library has become a hub for our community to explore, learn and imagine, said Parks and Recreation Director Holly Osborn. "Libraries are important for growing minds and opening them to new ideas, and we are thankful that Surprise now has three libraries to serve our residents."

Just like 20 years ago, Northwest Regional Library is hosting a party to celebrate the space and people that make this library amazing. The community is invited to visit the library on Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a party to celebrate the 20th anniversary and the kick-off of the 2022 Summer Reading program.

EVENT INFORMATION:

WHEN:
Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

WHERE:
16089 N Bullard Ave
Surprise, AZ 85374

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Free Event - No Registration Required
• City of Surprise Block Party Trailer
• Costumed Characters
• Coloring Station & Craft Tables
• Lawn & Board games
• Prizes & Raffles (First Things Firstwill be giving away free books!)
• Scavenger Hunt
• Summer Reading Signup

In addition to Northwest Regional Library, Surprise is home to Asante Library and Hollyhock Library.

For more information on Northwest Regional Library, visit mcldaz.org/locations/northwest/

For more information on Asante Library, visit mcldaz.org/locations/asante/

For more information on Hollyhock Library, visit mcldaz.org/locations/hollyhock/

ABOUT MARICOPA COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT:
The Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) is a special taxing district that runs 18 librariescountywide. MCLD's mission is to provide access and services so residents experience an improved quality of life. Each year, the Library District welcomes up to three million visitors, holds thousands of free events and programsfor all ages, and hosts Maricopa County Reads, the award-winning Summer Reading Program. In 2021, the Library District held 2,600 online events, and circulated over 17 million physical and digital checkouts. For Maricopa County and Town of Queen Creek residents and property owners, a library card is free. For more information, visit mcldaz.org.

For interviews or media appearances, please contact Samantha Mears at (602) 577-3497 or [email protected]. High-resolution library images are available for download at mcldaz.org/news.